
CGM Will Change The Way We Treat Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes
Let’s start off with what is in the pipeline.
Can CGM benefit not only type 1 diabetes — if so, what will it mean for those with type 2 diabetes?
Let’s look at the history of blood glucose monitors. At first it was who had the best software, smallest drop of blood and accuracy. They used to cost 75 cents a strip and the monitor companies where in a fierce competition, with all of them making millions if not billions of dollars. Then last year the government opened up bidding for the business and the price of 100 strips for most brands went from $75 per box to $10 for one hundred strips. So now all the major companies are trying to sell their diabetes divisions that make blood glucose strips and monitors and they are losing money, but it will get worse.
Now let’s look at the CGM market. Dexcom has gotten their CGM approved by Medicare to pay for managing type 1 diabetes under specific circumstances. People with type 2 diabetes and on insulin will be next to be approved. Right now, the sensors are expensive, which can make it difficult to get insurance companies to pay for it. They would rather pay $10 per month for blood glucose strips than a couple hundred dollars for sensors every month.
Now Dexcom and Google are working on a new CGM that is called the Band-Aid CGM that you will be able to wear for weeks at a time with wifi capabilities to send your results to your doctor or your care provider, and that will be cost effective. Then the blood glucose monitors will go the way of the Model-T or the landline phone.
If you think about it, knowing what your blood sugars
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